You are valuable

What can you do about this? Well, the truth of the matter is that you are not just your body. You are a person.

You have talents and abilities. You do good things. You deserve to be appreciated, not criticized, because that adversely affects your emotions and obesity.

Why don't you do this: Sit down and make a list of the things you do that are good. Put down everything you can think of. All your positive activities.

Include the things that you do for others. Include things that you do for yourself. And make sure you put down whatever you do for the world around you.

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Helping others

This is your "I am a good person" list. This is "Why I'm valuable."

You might not think there's much to put there. But I doubt that's true. You probably do more good than you realize.

Do you cook for other people? Very good. That's helping others. Put it down.

Do you have a friend that you listen to? So they have someone to tell their problems, or hopes or plans to? Great. That's helping others. Put it down.

Do you do a good job at work, showing up on time and working hard? Hard workers are valuable. That makes you valuable. Put it down.

How about projects and hobbies? Crafts? Sewing? Woodworking? Gardening? They all make something new and better and brighter in the world. They make the world a more beautiful place. Put it down.

Helping yourself

How about things you do for yourself? Do you keep yourself clean? Do you keep your teeth brushed and your hair combed?

These things show responsibility for yourself. They keep you healthy. They're important. Put them down.

How about learning new things. After all, you're learning something right here, right now. You are improving yourself. Put it down.

Your contributions large and small

There are lots of things you can do to help yourself, other people and the world around you. Some are simple -- like a smile to a stranger on the street. Some are more complicated -- like volunteering at the hospital.

But whatever these things are, they are contributions. They are what you are giving to the world you live in. Get yourself a little notebook. Keep your list.

Make yourself better

Add to it as the days go by. Look for areas where you can contribute. Look for areas where you can do good for yourself or others.

Whatever you do that is positive in your life should go on the list. Keep working on it. How many things can you put on your list? There's no limit. It can grow and grow.

As you do this you'll see all the things that make you a valuable and wonderful person. And as you do it you'll become a better person.

You'll be finding new ways to help yourself and others and the world around you.

And really, isn't that the best answer to those critics? To be valuable and know you are valuable, despite whatever criticism.

And notice, I haven't said anything about your weight. Because -- the truest truth there is -- you are more than your body, you are valuable and you deserve to be appreciated.